Electro Surgical Unit

ESU: Electro Surgical Unit
It is the use of radio frequency electrical current to cut, coagulate or destroy tissue. An
electrosurgical unit is an instrument used in electrosurgeries, where high-frequency electric
currents are used to cut and coagulate tissues. While a surgery is performed, there is too much
blood loss as the tissues and blood vessels are cut resulting in bleeding. In order to avoid or
reduce the blood loss, an electrosurgical unit is used.
The instrument is designed to provide the correct electrical waveforms to deliver to the site of
surgery in order to coagulate blood vessels and to cut tissues smoothly. Surgeons may use the
electrosurgery tool instead of, or in conjunction with, a conventional scalpel. When used
properly, the electrosurgical unit damages tissue considerably less than the scalpel with the added
ability to stop bleeding safely.
This electrosurgical equipment uses an electric current of frequency around 500 kHz to cut

and coagulate the tissue. When the electrical current is passed through the tissue, it gets
heated up resulting in the evaporation of the water which ultimately destroys cells. Thus,
the process of cutting, clothing and dehydrating the blood cells and tissues is achieved with
minimal blood loss.
The alternating current is entered into the patient’s body which is part of the closed circuit
consisting of a generator, an active electrode, patient, and the patient return electrode.
A transformer allows the generating of high voltage to allow the passage of high electric current that
corresponds to the power required for surgical purposes.
The voltage on the electrode is between 1000 to 10000 V p-p. There are three modes of
functioning for the electronic surgical unit: cutting, coagulation, and blended mode.
Cutting mode
The electric current divides tissues without coagulation. Then a lower voltage is required to achieve
tissue vaporization. This requires 50 watts in the case of bipolar cut and around 150-300 watts in
the case of a monopolar cut. This is achieved with a continuous sinusoidal waveform.
Coagulation Mode
Blood clotting is achieved by burning the ends of vessels to control bleeding. This would require 80
watts in bipolar cut and 40-80 watts in a case of a monopolar cut. This is achieved primarily with
a series of sinusoidal wave packets.
Modes of functioning
There are two modes; Monopolar and Bipolar. The main difference between the two is the method by
which electric current enters and exits tissues.
Monopolar
Current flows through the patient to a patient return electrode.
The active electrode is in the wound.
A patient return electrode is attached to the patient.
The high current density in the vicinity of the active electrode achieves tissue cutting or coagulation.
The low current density under the dispersive electrode causes no tissue damage.
Used both for cutting and coagulation.
Monopolar Mode
It is the sparking of tissues leading to coagulation. As shown in the figure below the waveform is of
low frequency with a delay, this aids in increasing the surface area of the electrode. There is no
tissue-electrode contact; rather, the voltage is raised in order to incite a spark between electrodes
in order to coagulate tissues in between.
It is the sparking of tissues leading to coagulation. As shown in the figure below the waveform is
of low frequency with a delay, this aids in increasing the surface area of the electrode. There is no
tissue-electrode contact; rather, the voltage is raised in order to incite a spark between electrodes
in order to coagulate tissues in between.
Bipolar Mode
Bipolar mode
Active electrode and return electrode functions at the site of surgery(Forceps tines). Only the tissue
grasped is included in the electrical circuit. (Current passes only between tips of forceps). Thus
the patient does not need a return "dispersive" electrode. This mode is mainly used for
coagulation.
Modes of Operation
There are three modes of operation and can be produced on command, dependent upon the waveform
issued by the ESU.
Cutting Mode
Cutting mode in ESU
A high-frequency alternating current yield smooth, rapid cuts that evoke little to no homeostasis. The
current stimulates cells to swell and explode.
Coagulation Mode
Coagulation mode in ESU
It is the sparking of tissues leading to coagulation. There is no tissue-electrode contact; rather, voltage
is raised in order to incite a spark between electrodes in order to coagulate the tissue in between.
Blended Mode
Blended mode in ESU
It is a combination effect of cutting and coagulating; dampened waveform that produces some
homeostasis during cutting.
Machine Block Diagram of a Typical ESU Block Diagram

ESU Block Diagram
If you are looking for the more in-depth information you might want to visit the link provided as it
contains more useful information related to ESU.
ESU Accessories
Monopole active electrodes
ESU: Monopolar Electrodes
Cut or coagulate control is from the pencil like electrode or from a foot switch. The needle is
disposable and changeable depending on the surface area required.
Bipolar Electrode
ESU: Bipolar Electrodes
Control of the coagulation is by a foot switch. So when activating the bipolar electrode, the
monopole settings automatically shuts off or are bypassed.
Dispersive Electrode
ESU: Dispersive / Grounding electrode
As mentioned before the dispersive electrodes are of a very high importance as they
are responsible for returning the current passing through the patient body safely back to the
machine.
Foot Switch
ESU: Foot Switch

Electro Surgical Unit

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Electro Surgical Unit

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ESU: Electro Surgical Unit

This electrosurgical equipment uses an electric current of frequency around 500 kHz to cut

Cutting mode in ESU

Coagulation mode in ESU

Blended mode in ESU

Machine Block Diagram of a Typical ESU Block Diagram

ESU: Monopolar Electrodes

ESU: Bipolar Electrodes

ESU: Dispersive / Grounding electrode

ESU: Foot Switch

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